The 31-year-old striker is keen to leave the Catalan giants to seek out regular football and he had been linked to a number of Premier League clubs.

“Barcelona don’t want to sell David Villa,” the Arsenal manager said ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, adding: “They have made it very clear. You respect the desire.

“If I say that somebody is not for transfer, I expect the other clubs not to try to buy him.

“In January, it’s very difficult to find players that strengthen the team when you are in our position.”

Though a deal for Villa now looks dead Wenger wouldn’t rule out making signings before Thursday’s transfer deadline day.

He said: “I have mainly more dealings and contact with our scouts. After that, if something special happens, first of all we link [up] nearly on a daily basis with [chief executive] Ivan Gazidis, and he makes the link with the board.”

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